Monroe Road project developers fail to get rezoning support from planning department

Despite support from neighbors for a 20-acre redevelopment plan for Monroe Road between Idlewild and Conference roads, the city’s zoning staff has recommended denial of a rezoning petition for the project.

Roy Goode, of Goode Development Corp. and Goode Properties, told the Charlotte City Council during a rezoning hearing Monday that he wants to transform the property, which includes a 40-year-old apartment complex with 370 units, into a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use development that will include 275 residential units for sale or rent.

Goode, who said he has owned the property for 18 years, wants to redevelop the area along Monroe Road, saying the neighborhood is “transitioning” but that it has not had any meaningful redevelopment in 25 years.

Valerie Langley, one of two residents who spoke in support of the project, said she has witnessed stores like Target leave the area.

“Now it has become desolate,” she said.

But the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department is not sold on the project.

Planning coordinator Tammie Keplinger said approval of the rezoning request would set a precedent, because there have not been other large-scale redevelopment projects in that area.

A key concern was the number of drive-thru service windows proposed for the project. Keplinger said the city wants to restrict that number to two, although six have been proposed.

Councilwoman Nancy Carter told Goode she was also concerned about the number of drive-thru windows, citing concerns about air-quality. Councilmen Michael Barnes and David Howard agreed.

But Councilman Andy Dulin said during a dinner meeting before the hearing that he doesn’t want to limit businesses by restricting drive-thru windows.

The council is expected to make a decision on the rezoning request at an upcoming meeting.